Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Turkey: US-based cleric may be planning to escape to Canada

CP650978118
Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen speaks to members of the media at his compound in Saylorsburg, Pa., on July 17, 2016. Turkey\'s deputy prime minister says his country has "serious" intelligence suggesting that a U.S.-based cleric wanted by Turkey may be planning to escape to Canada. Numan Kurtulmus told reporters Monday that intelligence gathered by Turkey indicated that followers of Fethullah Gulen had purchased "land and farms" in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Chris Post

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s deputy prime minister says his country has “serious” intelligence suggesting that a U.S.-based cleric wanted by Turkey may be planning to escape to Canada.

Numan Kurtulmus told reporters Monday that intelligence gathered by Turkey indicated that followers of Fethullah Gulen had purchased “land and farms” in Canada.

He said the Turkish government has shared this information with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Turkey accuses Gulen of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in July and wants him extradited so that he may be put on trial.

Turkey also requested that the cleric be taken into custody while the U.S. authorities review his case, to prevent him from leaving for another country.

Kurtulmus said Turkey hopes that the United States considers the issue seriously.

Gulen denies orchestrating the coup.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles